The veteran rocker will be given the gong at the awards in London on Thursday June 9 and is playing a show in the capital in the same month to mark the magazine's 30th anniversary.

He said: "It's an incredible honour to be the second recipient of Kerrang's Legend Award. I'm looking forward to you all going 'F****** Crazy' at the 30th Anniversary party on June 21st at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo."

Birmingham-born Ozzy rose to fame with pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath before embarking on a solo career and becoming the unlikely star of a reality show about his family.

Kerrang! editor Nichola Browne said: "We are so unbelievably excited to have Ozzy play this very special show for our 30th birthday celebrations in June. We are privileged that the Prince of Darkness can help us mark this momentous milestone in style and it's guaranteed to be a night to remember

"Ozzy has been the mainstay of rock music. During his long and colourful career, he's not only helped define heavy metal as the voice of Black Sabbath, he's also enjoyed a three-decade reign as a solo artist and inspired thousands of rock fans to 'go f****** crazy' during his unmissable live shows. He's a much-loved, larger-than-life personality, and it is only fitting that we will be honouring Ozzy with the prestigious Legend Award at this year's Kerrang! Awards."

The awards, voted for by readers, will be hosted by Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor and Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian.